Simple Jewish Glossary

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A very simple glossary to help understand words that I might use when Mat or I write/vlog about the Jewish tidbits going on in our lives… Overtime, this list might grow as our knowledge does.

• Chasidism – From the word “Chasid” meaning “pious.” A branch of Orthodox Judaism that maintains a lifestyle separate from the non-Jewish world.
• Challah – A sweet, eggy bread that is usually braided, served on Shabbat and holidays. It is also named for the commandment to set aside a portion of the dough from any bread.
• Chanukah – Literally dedication. The eight-day holiday celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled by the Seleucid Greeks.
• Cholent – A slow cooked stew of beef, beans and barley, which is served on Shabbat
• Conversion – Judaism does not seek converts, and actively discourages converts (because a person does not need to be a Jew to be righteous in G-d’s eyes), but conversion to Judaism is possible.
• Glatt Kosher – A standard of kashrut that requires an extra degree of stringency in the inspection of the lungs of cattle, to decide whether the lungs are free from adhesions.
• Ha-Shem – Literally: The Name. The Name of G-d, which is not pronounced. The phrase “ha-Shem” is often used as a substitute for G-d’s Name.
• Havdalah – A ritual marking the end of Shabbat or a holiday.
• High Holidays – The holidays of Rosh Hashanah, the Days of Awe and Yom Kippur are commonly called the High Holidays or the High Holy Days.
• Hechsher – The certification marking found on the packages of products that have been certified as kosher.
• Holidays – Judaism has over a dozen holidays, ranging from deeply solemn fast days like Yom Kippur to all-out parties like Purim.
• Kasher – To make kosher.
• Kashrut – Laws regarding diet.
• Kiddush – The reception that follows Shabbat services. Snacks and drinks are served. Also, the blessing said over wine.
• Kippah – The skullcap head covering worn by Jews during services, and by some Jews at all times, more commonly known as a yarmulke.
• Kosher – Proper. Describes food that is permissible to eat under Jewish dietary laws. May also describe any other ritual object that is fit for use according to Jewish law.
• Latkes – Potato pancakes {traditionally eaten during Chanukah}.
• Matzah – Unleavened bread traditionally served during Passover.
• Matzah Ball Soup – Thin chicken soup with dumplings made from matzah meal.
• Mazel Tov – Common term for congratulations.
• Menorah – Refers to the nine-branched candelabrum used to hold the Chanukkah candles.
• Mitzvah – Any of the 613 commandments that Jews are obligated to observe. May also refer to any Jewish religious obligation, or more generally to any good deed.
• Pareve {parve} – Yiddish for neutral. Used to describe kosher foods that contain neither meat nor dairy.
• Shabbat – The Jewish Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual enrichment.
• Shabbat Shalom – A simply Shabbat greeting meaning “peaceful sabbath”.
• Shema – One of the basic Jewish prayers said in the morning and in the evening.
• Shul – Yiddish word for synagogue, typically a term used by Chasidim and Orthodox.
• Siddur – Jewish prayer-book.
• Tallit Katan – A four-cornered, poncho-like garment worn under a shirt so that we may have the opportunity to fulfill the commandment to put tzitzit (fringes) on the corners of our garments.
• Talmud – A collection of the Jewish oral tradition interpreting the Torah.
• Tefillin – Leather pouches containing scrolls with passages of scripture, used to fulfill the commandment to bind the commandments to our hands and between our eyes.
• Torah – The first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Which are the Jewish Teachings in its entirety.
• Treyf – Yiddish for unkosher.
• Tzitzit – Fringes attached to the corners of garments as a reminder of the commandments.